Holiday hoops: holiday traditions for Chapman’s basketball programs

Men’s and women’s basketball both have distinct holiday traditions. Photo by DANIEL PEARSON, staff photographer

Within Chapman basketball programs, both the men’s and women’s team have their own traditions to celebrate this time of year.

The Panther spoke with Cruz Billings, a freshman business major, and Jack Roggin, a fifth-year psychology major about the traditions the men’s basketball team participates in. 

“I was a transfer two years ago,” Roggin said. “Since I've been here we've always gone to a certain basketball house for dinner. This is actually a great time for us to all bond. We would play video games, card games and kind of just hang out.”

Roggin continued by saying that the team has a specific type of meal during this time of year.  

“We try to do at least one dinner before and after the Christmas break,” Roggin said. “Usually, we hit a sushi spot for the past year or Korean barbecue.” 

Billings shared the same sentiment as Roggin about using this time to bond with the team especially right before conference play begins come January.

Men’s and women’s basketball both have distinct holiday traditions. Photo by SIMRAH AHMAD, staff photographer

“It's a great time for the team to bond,” Billings said. “We get to know each other more, especially going into conference play coming up. I think this is a big moment for us to get to connect and build some chemistry because conference games are really important for us to get to the playoffs. Our ultimate goal is to win a league championship and to get to the NCAA playoffs.” 

Roggin spoke to what it felt like mentally to have to stay around later and come back earlier during the break period since they have scheduled games during the winter break. 

“During Christmas time, we get a couple of days off to go home. I imagine it's a little harder for guys that don't live in California,” Roggin said. “For the most part, since we get to go home for a couple of days, you get a little taste of being back home and then when you come back like you're really locked in”

Moving on to the women’s basketball program, The Panther spoke with Kylee Ishibashi, a sophomore psychology major, and Orel Shilon, a law student, about the traditions the squad takes part in. 

“We do something called secret buddies and we pick out names out of a hat. Then you're with that person for the rest of the season,” Ishibashi said. “Then it's like you give them gifts for Valentine's Day, Christmas and just game day which is fun.”

Shilon shared the same sentiment along with including another tradition the team does. 

“We also have a holiday party,” Shilon said. “We do a white elephant tradition as well and so we get each other a little gift. It's not a fun thing to do every year.”

Both spoke to the sacrifice that comes with doing these traditions with games also scheduled during the break. 

“I think it's kind of good for me at least,” Ishibachi said. “I need the whole day to prepare for a game. I can't really do anything if I have a game that day. Being around campus just allows me to get into a good mindset to get ready for the competition.”

Shilon shared the same feelings but talked about how it can be tough given how long the season is.

“It can definitely be hard,” Shilon said. “Especially since the season is so long, but because we're a close team with a good coaching staff, it just makes it all easier mentally.”